Page 3 of Grumpy

It was more than their own government was doing for them.

Once done with his ice cream, Scotty helped each of his uncles finish off their plates. Though he balked at Uncle Poker’s green beans. According to Scotty, the only good green food was Skittles.

Grumpy caught Kelly’s eyes from across the diner. This time, their gazes held. For ten fucking years, he’d been coming to this diner. While the food was delicious, he generally preferred quiet, homecooked fare. Eating here was one of his more open forms of stalking.

Kelly smiled at him, and fucking hell, it was like she was chinking away at his armor. How could a fucking smile hold so much power over him? Like a fish to a lure, Grumpy found himself standing, that smile pulling him across the room.

“Hi,” she said breathlessly as he neared.

But Grumpy didn’t stop or verbally respond. He continued forward, wrapping his hand around the back of her head to cushion her as he pressed her up against the wall. He took her lips in a hot, passionate kiss that lit a fire inside him that he’d been trying to smother for ten years. It took only a moment before her hand fisted the front of his shirt, and her tongue began to duel with his.

Fuck, what this woman did to him. She tasted like the mango smoothie she’d had with her lunch. He’d always had a thing for tall women, loving that he didn’t have to bend in two to reach her. Despite working on her feet all day, her body was soft, making him feel her rather than bones. She was warm, like the sunshine he often compared her personality to. The light to his darkness.

A throat cleared somewhere, breaking the moment. Grumpy fought the urge not to turn and tear out that throat. Instead, he rested his forehead on hers. “Life’s too short, and I’m fucking tired of staying away from you.”

Still catching her breath and leaning into him rather than the wall he had her pressed up against, Kelly nodded.

“Tonight. Six-thirty,” he ordered, knowing her shift ended at six. “Come to the bar.” He swiped his nose gently against hers before lowering his voice to add, “There’s an apartment upstairs. Be ready. I plan on finishing what I started.”

He felt the shiver go through her. “I… I don’t do one-night stands.”

A light chuckle left him as he bent his head again to kiss her. Softer this time, but no less demanding. “Neither do I, Kell Bell.”

Stepping back, Grumpy took in her disheveled, blissful look. He sent a whistle over his shoulder without looking away from her dreamy, cobalt eyes. “Let’s go, Scot-Man!” He winked at Kelly as he added, “I’ve got a date to get ready for.”

CHAPTER 1

The Mount Grove Gazette

Serving Mount Grove and Surrounding Communities Since 1847

FOUR DEAD, ONE CRITICAL FOLLOWING EXPLOSION AT MOUNT GROVE BAR

MOUNT GROVE, PA — An explosion tore through Demon on the Rocks early Tuesday evening, injuring several town residents, killing four people and leaving one man in critical condition in what authorities are now calling a targeted criminal act.

The device detonated inside the bar, located on Main Street, at approximately 6:42 PM. Mount Grove Fire Department Captain George Hunter confirmed that the blast caused catastrophic structural damage to the building and that the investigation involves local, state, and federal law enforcement.

The four victims killed in the explosion have been identified as Drucilla “Dru” Deininger, Francine “Frankie” Archer, Monica Argent and Deputy Scott Pan. Families have been notified. A fifth victim, a 41-year-old Mount Grove resident, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted to the Johnstown Burn Center, where he remains in critical condition. Several additional residents were treated and released for minor injuries from Mount Grove Memorial.

Sheriff Carlos Santiago addressed the press Wednesday morning, visibly shaken.

“Four members of our community are gone. One of our own is fighting for his life. This was not an accident. This was an attack, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.” Sheriff Santiago declined to comment on potential suspects, citing the active nature of the investigation.

State police and federal investigators arrived in Mount Grove early Wednesday morning to assist local authorities. Sources familiar with the investigation indicate that no persons of interest have been identified and no arrests have been confirmed at the time of publication.

Demon on the Rocks is co-managed by Taran “Ghost” Keir and Liam “Ranger” Fremont, both officers of the Via Daemonia Motorcycle Club. Neither was available for comment. The club, which has operated a chapter in Mount Grove for several years, is not considered a target of the investigation at this time.

Mount Grove Mayor Reid Wickers declared a state of emergency Wednesday morning and asked residents to remain vigilant. Public grief counselors will be made available at Mount Grove High School beginning Monday.

A candlelight vigil for the victims is being organized by community members and will be announced through the Gazette's website and social media channels.

The Gazette extends its deepest condolences to the families of those lost. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Mount Grove Sheriff's Department or the FBI tip line at 888-HEL-PTIP.

* * *

Pain. There were no other words to describe the all-consuming, pulsing agony coursing through Grumpy like a never-ending blaze of hellfire. He’d never prayed for death before, never thought that such a dark wish could or would ever cross his mind. Now, it was in his very soul, the want for end, for peace. Even if there was nothing after, at least it wouldn’t be this.

No part of him hurt more or less than a different part. He couldn’t remember why he was in such pain. In a way, that almost made it worse. If he knew why, then maybe he could know how to stop it. But with every second that passed, Grumpy cared less and less about the why. Maybe knowing would only make it worse.